Latest On Mets Corner Outfield Situation  —  The Mets were pushing to deal for Brewers outfielder Gerardo Parra up until last night, Marc Carig of Newsday reports on Twitter, building upon a prior report from Andy Martino of the New York Daily News (via Twitter).

Inside Baseball: Big trade storylines involve Padres, Tigers, Hamels  —  After an almost unprecedented lull in trading action, two trades of some significance finally were completed Thursday.  The Astros became the first to land a viable starting pitcher when they brought Scott Kazmir back home …

Cardinals Acquire Steve Cishek  —  The Cardinals have officially struck a deal with the Marlins to add righty Steve Cishek, as Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald was first to report (Twitter links).  Heading back to Miami in the deal is Double-A righty Kyle Barraclough.

MLB Players' Association upset by Colin Cowherd's comments on Dominicans  —  Dominican major leaguers and the players union are demanding an apology or other action from outgoing ESPN host Colin Cowherd, who may have insulted a whole country with his on-air comments Thursday.

State patrol: Don't stop for ducks  —  Cars Swerve for Ducks Crossing I-35 KARE  —  MOUNDS VIEW, Minn. - The Minnesota State Patrol asks that motorists do not stop for ducks, or any animal, regardless of how the situation may end.  This after a video, showing a family of ducks narrowly escaping injury, went viral.

Angels Acquire Conor Gillaspie, Designate Adam Wilk  —  12:23pm: Los Angeles has designated pitcher Adam Wilk for assignment to clear 40-man space, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports on Twitter.  —  The 27-year-old has made just one appearance at the big league level this year and nine in his career.

Stark On Chapman, Shields, Cashner, Astros, Royals  —  The asking price on Reds closer Aroldis Chapman is currently said by one American League executive to be “exorbitant,” tweets ESPN's Jayson Stark.  Other clubs doubt that Reds owner Bob Castellini is open to allowing Chapman to be moved in a trade, according to Stark.

Sources: Bills likely to part ways with Kromer  —  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) - The Buffalo Bills found themselves in the news following the arrest of offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, and it appears as though that tie will be severed.  —  According to sources, the Bills are likely to part ways …

Dodgers' Kershaw Breezes Through Meek-Hitting Mets  —  NEW YORK — Clayton Kershaw pitched a three-hitter, retiring the first 18 batters in his second shutout of the season, as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Mets 3-0 on Thursday night.  —  Kershaw (8-6) now has thrown 29 consecutive …

Junior Seau's Family Will Not Be Allowed to Speak at His Hall of Fame Induction  —  SAN DIEGO — Junior Seau's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was always going to be awkward, a chance to celebrate a marquee player known for his bone-crushing career while not dwelling on his controversial death tied to it.

Liriano Sharp as Pirates Drop Nationals 7-3  —  PITTSBURGH — Francisco Liriano allowed three hits over six-plus dominant innings and the Pittsburgh Pirates raced by the Washington Nationals 7-3 on Thursday night.  —  Liriano (6-6) struck out 11 against three walks as the Pirates returned …

Rays ready to talk trades, with Boxberger popular  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Most speculation leading to the July 31 deadline for nonwaiver trades will be on who the Rays could get to bolster their offense.  —  But they are more likely to trade away a player from their current big-league roster …

Hamilton not concerned about reception from Angels fans  —  Rangers fans cheered wildly in April 2013 when Josh Hamilton made outs during his first trip to Arlington as an Angels player.  He returns to Anaheim for the first time Friday.  Ron Jenkins Star-Telegram  —  jwilson@star-telegram.com